The Post Doc seems to be a popular topic at NN lately. Lauren has been writing about it, and Elizabeth just landed the perfect position. Now it’s my turn to speculate on this topic. As I told you in my last post I’ve finally met the publication requirements to finish my thesis, and the plan is to be all ready within the year. With funding application deadlines and whatnot that means I need to have some kind of plan as to where to do a post doc pretty soon. So, I’m trying to figure out what the perfect place to do a post doc would be like, if it existed. Would it be a big lab run by an experienced PI? Would it be a smaller up-and-coming group? How different a topic should I aim for, compared to what I’m working on now? I know you are supposed to shift a bit, but on the other hand you are also supposed to get something good out of a short time…
My take on this, as on everything, is to gather up a whole bunch of information and advice, and then try to make some sense out of it. So. I’m collecting information. I’m asking around. Pretty much any conversation I have these days is steered towards the post doc question. Mostly I get horror stories and what not to do (generally, the person I ask will tell me that whatever you do, don’t do it my way!). Sure, I also get some advice, but it’s pretty contrary. I realize that in the end, it’s a lot about chance and luck, but it’s anyway nice to be prepared. So please, what do you think? What is the ideal post doc position like? If you would decide?
Hi Anna
I tried a similar strategy when I was trying to decide in which lab to study for my Phd. The responses I got were similar to what you are hearing – whatever you do, don’t do it my way . Are you looking to move country for your postdoc?
Hello Erika
Yes, I think I remember that post of yours. I guess it’s good to learn from peoples mistakes too, and of course whatever you choose to do it isn’t going to be perfect, there isn’t such a lab in the real world. And yes, the plan as it looks right now is to try to go to the US for a post doc.
How did finding a PhD position work out for you?
Hi Anna
In the end I went with the supervisors of my one of the lab rotations I did as part of the MSc. The topic is a longstanding favourite of mine and I got on with the supervisor from day one. It’s been a busy time with finishing off the MSc and starting the PhD, my list of “blog posts to write” it growing! I’m going to try to get something posted soon and get back into the swing of it.
Best of luck with your postdoc search, I hope someone with some practical advice for you will be along soon!
It depends on what you want after the postdoc.
If you want to become a groupleader or have some kind of a career after the postdoc, you might want to consider a political decision.
If you just interested in science you can just follow your nose and hope your brilliance will be recognised by all.
I guess that is good advice – the best would of course be to find a place that is interesting but also the basis for some kind of career, if I want that. I don’t like choosing, I just want everything :)
Don’t you worry! Some people do get it all!
My lab is hiring! We’re in your field! (Although we’re in Canada, not the US). Email me ;)
I can highly recommend it as a good lab to do a post-doc ;)
Oh I missed those comments totally for not looking back into my last post comments, shame on me! I’m sure that would be a great place for a post doc – I’ll definitely check it up – unfortunately there is this boyfriend who also wants a say as to what country we are going to, and what kind of job he can get…
Does he like skiing? ;)
Anna – my sage advice would be to look carefully at the publication record of the PI. Working in an “interesting” lab, while it might be fun and mentally stimulating, is not going to get you anywhere when it comes time to find a position of your own if the lab doesn’t publish much. Of course, a very productive lab might turn out to be a miserable place to work, and no-one should be miserable. :) Productive labs are generally hard to get into as well, naturally.
This, of course, assumes you want to follow the traditional academic research/professorial route, which might not be the case of course ;).
@Cath – Not that I know of, but it’s never too late to learn! Thing is, we have after much discussion managed to agree on a couple of places, so I’d better at least make a show of looking there first. But Vancouver (it’s Vancouver right?) does seem like a very nice place.
@Richard – Thanks for the advice! This is pretty much my feeling to. I definitely want to keep the door to an academic career open, which makes this decision that much more important. I am checking and rechecking publication lists (do they publish well? Do they publish with members of their own labs or “just” tagging along on other papers?). And then there’s the polishing of my CV and letters of course, to make a show of how brilliant I am. Seriously hard work.
Excellent point Richard. You should also look at how well previous members of the lab have faired once they’ve moved on, where they are etc etc.
I’d add to that by saying that you MUST talk to the post-docs and students in any potential lab, away from the boss. You will quickly figure out which labs are happy and productive and which aren’t.
I had a similar situation Anna, with needing to find a place where both my wife and I could find satisfying jobs. We quickly came up with a short list of 3-4 cities, and after visiting a few labs in each place the choice very quickly narrowed itself down. Lifestyle was also an important consideration for us (yes, I like to ski).
It’s a very good point to talk to post docs and find out what happens to alumni. One group I’ve been checking out has a long list on their web page with alumni and their current positions (all either being PIs at prestigious institutions or having some amazing job), but I can’t help wondering if that is a list “in selection”.
VAncouver is awesome! Probably the almost best in the world! :)
I agree with Darren though, ALWAYS talk to the lab members without the PI present. If you can, maybe even one on one or in smaller groups since they will tell you more about the work climate. The publication record of the PI is important too.
It’s also good to consider if you want to move back to Sweden as a scientist when you are done with the post doc… in that case there are a few more things to consider. (like applying for smaller Swedish grants with someone in Sweden, but you need to check that your post doc PI is ok with that. It’s sometimes a bit tricky with sharing the results and data and course of the research.) Most important though, keep in touch with your old place and the former professors and collaborators. As you know, Sweden isn’t the biggest place and it is crucial for landing those grants to come back.
Marie Curie is also a great opportunity, I think KI has help to provide with how to apply etc. Shoot me an email if you want some thoughts ;)